Review: Best New Pickleball Shoes Tyrol and More

When it comes to excelling on the pickleball court, having the right pickleball shoes is crucial. While many players start with regular tennis shoes, serious pickleball players quickly realize the importance of investing in shoes specifically designed for the fast-paced, lateral movements unique to the sport. The best pickleball shoes combine comfort, durability, and support, ensuring players can move with ease while maintaining excellent foot health. In this guide, we’ll break down the top features you should look for in the best pickleball shoes, with a focus on key performance aspects and premium designs, such as the Tyrol Drive V series.

The Importance of a Wide Toe Box and Comfortable Fit

One of the most important aspects of pickleball shoes is the toe box width. Players need space for their toes to move freely, especially during quick lateral movements and frequent pivots. A deep toe box and wide shoe design provide the optimum comfort needed to prevent toe injuries and ensure proper toe alignment. Shoes like the Tyrol Drive V feature a deep and wide toe box, allowing for a more pleasant experience on the court and reducing the risk of discomfort, toe injury, and blisters.

The correct alignment of the foot within the shoe is also key for overall court performance. Shoes with a rubber toe bumper and rubber toe guard offer protection during quick stops and direction changes, common on pickleball courts. Moreover, a removable insole allows for customization, so players can adjust the shoe for their best fit, whether they prefer more arch support or a lower profile.

Upper Materials for Breathability and Durability

For players who spend a significant number of hours on the court, breathability is essential to maintain comfort throughout the match. Many of the best pickleball shoes, like the Tyrol pickleball shoes, feature an open weave mesh nylon upper. This type of breathable mesh material allows for excellent air movement, keeping feet cool during intense play. The inclusion of durable upper linings adds an extra layer of support without sacrificing breathability.

In addition to breathability, the design of the upper portion of the shoe plays a vital role in durability. Medial side power clips and an exterior heel counter ensure stable support, helping prevent ankle rollover during quick lateral movements. This is especially important for pickleball players who are prone to making rapid, side-to-side motions.

Outsoles and Traction for Superior Court Performance

Traction on various playing surfaces, whether indoors or outdoors, is another critical factor to consider. Shoes designed for pickleball courts need to handle different textures, from gymnasium floors to outdoor playing surfaces like concrete and asphalt. The outsole of the shoe is typically made from specialized rubber compounds, like the Vibram rubber outsole featured in the Tyrol Drive V shoes. The Vibram chevron tread design outsole offers directional traction, giving players excellent grip during quick directional changes and preventing slips.

Pickleball shoes with a Vibram chevron outsole design are particularly effective for outdoor courts, where the surface can be less forgiving. Additionally, for those playing on smoother indoor courts, like gymnasium floors, shoes with a performance grip feature ensure superior stability, contributing to better overall court performance.

Midsole Construction for Support and Cushioning

The midsole construction of a pickleball shoe significantly affects comfort and performance. Many shoes designed for serious players feature a combination of Phylon midsole and EVA midsole material compound, providing a perfect blend of comfort and lightweight feel. The EVA base is known for offering excellent shock absorption, ensuring that every step is cushioned, which is essential for reducing fatigue during extended play.

For added torsion control, some models include a torsion control shank, which prevents excessive twisting of the shoe during sharp lateral movements. This feature, paired with a heel stabilizer and motion control support, ensures maximum performance while protecting against injuries.

Sizing, Fit, and Return Policies

Choosing the right size is crucial when selecting the best pickleball shoes. Many athletic brands, including Tyrol, recommend ordering shoes one-half size larger than your regular size to accommodate the wide toe box and ensure a comfortable fit. The curved heel design, often seen in premium shoes, contributes to a snug and stable fit, preventing the foot from slipping inside the shoe during fast-paced movement.

For players unsure about the best size or fit, brands like Tyrol offer exchange policies and return guidelines. These guidelines often allow customers to try shoes and return or exchange them under certain following conditions, such as within a specific number of days and in resalable condition with the original packaging intact. This set guarantee provides a pleasant experience for consumers, ensuring they find the right size and fit without risk.

Durability and Longevity for Serious Players

For serious pickleball players, durability is a top concern. Pickleball shoes need to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor playing surfaces, such as asphalt, as well as the abrasive effects of silica grit often found on outdoor courts. The use of rubber soles with a rubber outsole manufacturing process ensures longevity, while the Vibram outsole materials are specifically engineered for maximum durability.

In addition, the rubber toe bumper and medial side of the shoe are designed to offer extra protection against abrasions, further enhancing the shoe’s lifespan. For those who play regularly, this durability is crucial to maintaining performance and avoiding frequent shoe replacements.

Best Pickleball Shoes 2024 for Beginners

1. Tyrol Drive V – Excellent All-Round Support

The Tyrol Drive V is an excellent option for beginners looking to invest in a quality pair of pickleball shoes. This shoe offers a blend of features that support comfort and performance. One standout feature is the wide toe box, which ensures your toes have plenty of room for natural movement, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.

Additionally, the EVA midsole material compound provides superior cushioning, essential for absorbing shock during quick stops and starts. The shoe’s exterior heel counter offers extra support and stability, crucial for those lateral movements that are common in pickleball. With the Vibram chevron tread design outsole, beginners can expect excellent traction on both indoor and outdoor courts, making this shoe a versatile choice.

Key Features:

• Wide toe box for comfort
• EVA midsole for cushioning
• Exterior heel counter for stability
• Vibram chevron tread for traction
• Great for both indoor and outdoor courts

2. K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoe – Lightweight and Durable

If you’re seeking a lightweight option that still offers solid support, the K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoe is a top contender for beginners. These shoes are designed with an open weave mesh nylon upper for maximum breathability, keeping your feet cool during intense matches. The lightweight design allows for quick lateral movements, a crucial feature for pickleball players who need to change directions rapidly.

What sets the K-Swiss Express Light apart is its medial side power clip and rubber toe bumper, both of which enhance lateral stability and protect the front of the shoe from wear. These features ensure that beginners can play confidently, knowing their shoes will offer both protection and durability.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and breathable
• Open weave mesh nylon upper
• Medial side power clip for stability
• Rubber toe bumper for added durability

3. ASICS Gel-Renma – Budget-Friendly Option

For beginners on a budget, the ASICS Gel-Renma is a fantastic option that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Known for its comfort and support, the Gel-Renma features gel cushioning in the heel, offering excellent shock absorption during fast-paced games. Its Phylon midsole ensures the perfect blend of comfort and lightweight performance, ideal for beginners who need a shoe that supports all-around movement.

The rubber compounds in the outsole provide durable traction on both indoor and outdoor courts, and the overall design caters to those looking for stability and comfort. The removable insole is a plus, allowing players to insert custom orthotics if needed.

Key Features:

• Budget-friendly
• Gel cushioning for shock absorption
• Phylon midsole for comfort and lightweight feel
• Durable rubber outsole for multi-surface traction

4. New Balance 696 V5 – Best for Wide Feet

Players with wide feet often struggle to find shoes that offer both comfort and stability. The New Balance 696 V5 solves this issue with its deep toe box and overall wide design, making it one of the best choices for players needing extra space. The rubber toe guard offer protects against abrasion during quick directional changes, while the Vibram outsole materials ensure excellent traction.

The breathable mesh material in the upper portion of the shoe allows for airflow, ensuring your feet stay cool during long matches. Additionally, the EVA base provides cushioning and support, making these shoes ideal for beginners who want both comfort and performance without the risk of toe injuries.

Key Features:

• Wide design for extra comfort
• Rubber toe guard for protection
• Vibram outsole for traction
• Breathable mesh for airflow
• Excellent for players with wide feet

5. Adidas Courtjam Control – Performance and Style

The Adidas Courtjam Control is perfect for beginners who want a stylish shoe that doesn’t compromise on performance. The medial side of the shoe is reinforced to provide additional stability during lateral movements, while the rubber outsole offers excellent traction on various court surfaces, making this a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor play.

The shoe’s upper linings are made from a durable yet breathable material, allowing for maximum air movement, ensuring your feet stay comfortable. The Phylon midsole and heel stabilizer offer cushioning and support, making it easy for beginners to focus on their footwork and technique rather than worrying about foot discomfort.

Key Features:

• Stylish design
• Medial side support for lateral movements
• Rubber outsole for excellent traction
• Durable, breathable upper linings
• Great for both indoor and outdoor courts

Conclusion: The Best Pickleball Shoes for Maximum Performance

For beginners entering the world of pickleball, having the right shoes can make all the difference in performance, comfort, and injury prevention. Whether you opt for the versatile Tyrol Drive V, the budget-friendly ASICS Gel-Renma, or the stylish Adidas Courtjam Control, the key is finding a shoe that offers a balance of comfort, stability, and traction.

No matter which shoe you choose, investing in the right footwear will enhance your experience and ensure that your introduction to pickleball is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.